Whether you’re shopping for an amateur or someone whose food looks as good as that on Siba’s table, we have a few great gift ideas for anyone who loves to cook – or eat!
If you’ve got a friend or family member who’s usually found in the kitchen whipping up delicious meals, they’re usually the ones who are doing the heavy lifting at family gatherings during the festive season. Whether they’re passionate about healthy eating or serious about sustainability, giving one of these handy gadgets will show how much you appreciate their culinary skills by making their lives in the kitchen that little bit easier.
1. Electronic kitchen scale with jug
Great for anyone who enjoys cooking or baking, this dual-purpose measuring vessel allows you to in millilitres, litres, fluid ounces, grams, kilograms, ounces and pounds. Besides taking away the need to do any complex conversions while cooking, the scale is easy to clean and has a clear display. Find it on Yuppiechef.
2. Beeswax wraps
Eco-conscious chefs will love this plastic-free wrapping. Whether it’s for storing leftovers or wrapping the kids’ school lunch, these eco-friendly packaging will keep your food fresh while being kind to the environment. The wraps easily mould to any dish under the warmth of your hands, creating a seal to lock in the freshness. Available from Faithful to Nature.
3. Herb mincer
A great gift for anyone who has a bit of a love-hate relationship with chopping. A circular herb mincer will release the flavour from herbs with almost no effort; all you need to do is roll backwards and forwards over your favourite fresh herbs to chop them to the desired size. Buy it from Yuppiechef.
4. Cast iron casserole
Anyone who’s jumped on the baking bandwagon and discovered the joys of a homemade, crusty sourdough boule will appreciate a cast iron casserole. But any chef will enjoy the addition of this versatile workhorse to their kitchen. Sunday roasts, hearty stews and one-dish wonders are all easy to make with a casserole. Get one from Le Creuset.
5. Portion rings
Portion rings are a great gift for any health-conscious cook. Conveniently colour coded, the portion rings will help you to measure any food item – whether its meat, fruit, vegetables or grains – to ensure you get just the right nutrients from each meal. They come in a set of six and are BPA free and dishwasher safe. Get them from Yuppiechef.
6. Garlic rocker and peeler
Garlic is a base ingredient for countless savoury dishes across a variety of cuisines. With a garlic rocker and peeler, there’s no need to waste time trying to peel the cloves before slicing and dicing. A simple pop of the peeler will ensure your bulb is skinless and a few rocks and rolls of the mincer will create perfectly pressed garlic in no time. Buy it from Takealot.
7. Meat shredder claws
Carnivores will delight in the convenience meat shredder claws bring to preparing shredded meat dishes. Whether you’re preparing a pulled pork sandwich or a chicken pie, the sharp points on the claws make light work of shredding protein, turning a usually time-consuming task into a fast finish. Get a pair from Yuppichef.
8. Corn stripper
Whether it’s to create a salad or salsa – or simply to avoid getting any kernels stuck in your teeth – a corn stripper will effortlessly remove corn from the cob. Place the stripper over a piece of corn and push down to strip the core of kernels safely and efficiently. Find it on Faithful to Nature.
9. Herb storage container
Any chef who hates waste will go wild for a herb storage container. A simple solution for keeping herbs and small vegetables fresher for longer, this container will keep your produce fresh for up to a week. Place herbs in the silicone tray, fill with enough water to cover the tips of the stems and place in the fridge until you need them next. Available from GreenLeaf Home.
10. Watermelon slicer
Ensure all of the sweet summer fun without any of the mess with a watermelon slicer. Use the stainless steel blades to slice down to the rind before flipping them over for easy removal of perfect watermelon slices. A great gift for any cook who prefers to minimise the clean-up. Get it from Yuppiechef.
Haven’t found the perfect gift for the passionate cook in your life on this list? Perhaps a bamboo cutting board would do the trick, or something from one of South Africa’s best homeware brands. If you’re still at a loss, think about taking a trip to some of Cape Town’s top design stores for some gifting inspiration.
